Ruzhdi Pasha, a tyrannical Turkish governor, arrives in Travnik to rule Bosnia. He immediately puts to death members of the local nobility, and threatens to impale the rest of the population if they do not submit to his will.

In the tradition of leaders keeping exotic pets, a young and moody elephant arrives from Istanbul for the vizier. Every day the elephant is taken for a walk through the market area, in turn frightening and infuriating the neighbourhood.

First published in Pripovetke, Belgrade.